Ballarat Govhub gets off the ground

Construction is kicking off on the new Ballarat GovHub project – a key milestone for the purpose-built facility for up to 1,000 Victorian Government employees, including 600 roles relocating from Melbourne.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes welcomed the timber safety hoarding around the site, ahead of construction works beginning on the Victorian Government project over the coming weeks.

The $100 million GovHub will be a key employer in Ballarat during construction, with around 500 jobs expected to be created across the team at Kane and Nicholson and building designer John Wardle Architects.

While construction activities have been carefully planned to minimise noise and other disruption, there will be some impacts on nearby residents and businesses, as well as motorists and pedestrians using the area.

From today, the northbound lane of Armstrong Street North will be closed between Mair Street and Market Street to allow for the movement of heavy vehicles in and out of the site.

Ballarat City Council will relocate the nearby skate park, and the onsite car park will no longer be available to the public.

The Labor Government has provided $2 million towards the City of Ballarat’s car parking strategy for 1,000 additional car parks to offset the loss of parking.

The GovHub’s design reflects the theme of the Civic Hall precinct and includes a reconstructed shared space for multi-purpose use and two levels of basement car parking, including 120 public car parks. The building is expected to be completed in 2020.

Development Victoria is working in partnership with Regional Development Victoria, Department of Premier and Cabinet (Vic), the City of Ballarat, Kane Constructions Pty Ltd and Nicholson Construction (Joint Venture) and John Wardle Architects to deliver this project.

Acknowledgement

In the spirit of reconciliation, Development Victoria respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Victoria and recognises and respects their continuing cultural heritage and connection to land. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.